Sandeep out of Indian squad for Asia cup

Bangalore, Aug 4 (UNI) With less than a month left for the Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held in Chennai, the Indian hockey team received a setback as expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh is out of the squad due to a injury suffered in a freak accident.

The Indian Hockey federation today announced 18-member Indian squad that takes part in the week long event, a one-off tournament sanctioned by the FIH at IHF's behest as the players lacked international exposure due to fewer tournaments.

IHF President K P S Gill today announced the Chennai-bound squad and said he expected a good performance from them on the home turf.

Versatile Midfielder Prabodh Tirkey leads the youthful team with most of the players figuring in the Bronze winning Azlan Shah tournament in Kaula Lumpur and Champions Challenge in Belgium.

Sandeep had a slipped and fell in the bathroom of the Sports Authority of India (Southern Centre) on the outskirts of the city just a week into the camp that began last month.

Speaking to UNI Sandeep said it was a freak fall and he had to go back home for two weeks as he needed personal care. His absence means India will continue to suffer in penalty corner conversions.

The rate of goals scored through short corners has dropped sharply in the recent times that have affected the team's performance.

However, Raghunath of Karnataka "I hurt my back and it will need at least three more weeks to completely recover. I have come back here as the gym here is very good. Its disgusting. I will stay with the squad before its leaves to Chennai on August 14. I want to regain my fitness and be back in action soon. Staying with players gives me relief. I will be back in competitive hockey soon," he said.

India is in the B Group of the 11-team Asia Cup with Korea, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh being the other challengers. Pakistan which made a 11th hour entry is pitted in Group A along with Japan, Malaysia, Hongkong (China) and Singapore.

Chief Coach Joaquim Carvalho exuded confidence and said the players was in good nick. "We are looking to do one better than the Bronze finish we had at Belgium (Chgampions Challenge tournament) and Kaula Lumpur (Azlan Shah)," he said.

(Ed: Pickup suitably from BG 10) UNI